Watson and Simpson romp to best-ball victory

The Americans took the express car to victory with one of the greatest best-ball starts in Ryder Cup history. Watson and Simpson combined to produce seven birdies in their first eight holes – good for a 6-up lead.

The biggest tam-match beatdown in Ryder Cup history was a 7&6 romp by Hale Irwin and Tom Kite over Ken Brown and Des Smyth in 1979. This final margin turned out to be 5&4, with Watson and Simpson combining for 10 birdies in 14 holes.

Simpson said he drew strength from his faith: “This was my first Ryder Cup and I was scared to death.”